Spotlight On Ajou Deng

There were few. Not as many as most envisioned, anyway. Deng came to UConn with a lot of hype, sitting on the bench for the Huskies' run to the 1999 national championship and being viewed as the next star in Storrs.

It never materialized, however. He played in 41 career games in two seasons (1999-01), only six before deciding to transfer to Fairfield during the 2000-01 season. He averaged 4.6 points and 3.7 rebounds for the Huskies.

In 23 games at Fairfield in 2001-02, Deng averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds. In 23 games the following year, he averaged 4.8 points and four rebounds. Foot injuries were a major problem and would continue to be as he embarked on an overseas professional career.

Professional career: Deng had reconstructive surgery on his left foot in 2002. He was never the player he hoped to be and his little brother, Luol, actually became the headlining star of the family. Luol spent one season at Duke, was the seventh overall pick of the Bulls in the 2004 draft. Luol has spent six seasons in Chicago, averaging 15.8 points and 6.5 rebounds.

With injuries continually interrupting his career, he played a few professional seasons in London and Scotland, and most recently a couple seasons in Slovakia. Deng also has spent a good deal of time in Chicago, advising his brother and even training with the Bulls at one point.

A long journey: Deng's family fled worn-torn Sudan for Egypt, then London, where Deng flourished as a player. He was 6 feet 10 with running, shooting and jumping abilities that had Jim Calhoun  and many others in the basketball world -- fascinated. He was featured in Sports Illustrated even before arriving at UConn.

He's had an abbreviated professional career and has been a member of multiple English national teams. "I always believed in myself," Deng told The Courant in 2007. "I don't regret anything because I learned from everything I went through, but when I look at Luol I see myself. Maybe my dream is through him. Every time he's in the paper or on TV, I'm excited. I just feel like I'm living it through him."

Upon announcing his decision to transfer in a letter -- portions of which were published by The Courant on Jan. 2, 2001 -- Deng wrote: "Moving to a foreign land is very difficult and scary. The people of Connecticut accepted me with open arms, warm smiles and encouraging words. I was treated like family. For the first time in my life, I did not feel like a refugee. I am completely amazed by the enthusiasm, warmth and down-to-earth nature of Connecticut people. It has been my privilege to meet and know many of you, some of whom I may not see again. That is very regrettable for me. But it has also been my honor and privilege to establish close-knit, lasting friendships with many people, friendships that will survive my move."